The Portland daily press., 1887-06-11


have deserved the thanks Of historical sehol-
ars everywhere. No more valuable volume
on the history Of our east coast has ever been
published. But my remarks have already
been too much extended, and close with a
wish for the continued health and happiness
Of your president.
A Society with which the Maine Historical
Society Is closely related, said Professor
Chapman, Is the New England Historical
and Genealogical Society, many Of our MEM
bers being also Of the latter Society. take
pleasure In introducing as It's representative.
President GOodell.
PRESIDENT GooDELL's REMARKS.
President GoOdell said that as the repre-
sentative Of society including the six New
England States, he felt It necessary 10 be
present and congratulate the venerable pres
ident Of the Maine Historical Society, who
now retires. The occupation Of presidential
chairs seems 10 tend TO longevity. Presl-
dent G00dell alluded 10 the great age OF the
Emeritus president Of the Massachusetts
Historical Society. Continuing he said ssIf
may modestly refer to myself, though my
years are less than those Of some Of my as
s0ciates, my wife sometimes informs me
that IknOw much more about what hap
pened before. the Revolution than about
events since"
Professor Goodell spoke Of tie reasonable
expectations Of all the members Of the
Maine Society to arrive at the average age.
and closed his brief remarks with a graceful
allusi0n to the pleasant side Of hale and hon
0rable old age.
In introducing Hon. Hannibal Hamlin of
Bangor, Professor Chapman said that the
gentleman had occupied so many positions
that he hardly knew in what capacity to in
troduce him, but would, do so as the presi
dent Of the Bangor Historical Society.
MIR. HAMLrS's REMARKS.
/ did not come here this evening to make a
speech, but am very glad TO be present, to
become better acquainted with the members
Of the society and TO thank them for making
me an honorary member Of their 0rganiza-
this society and the great future which Is be-
fore 1t. Talleyrand said that all history Is
lies, but you are collecting material from
which the writers Of the future may record
the etruths Of history.
| came here tonight not to speak but TO tes-
tlfy by my presence my regard for your pres
ident | think we have been longer acquaint-
ed than any two persons here. We have
known each other for sixty years. We have
not agreed in theological belief. Sometimes
we have trodden the same political path and
sometimes we have not. But during sixty
long years there has been no shade Of enmity
or ill-feeling between us.
Mr.. Hamlin closed his remarks with ref
erence TO the valuable work of President
bradbury In connection with the Society,
and an expression of the wish that many
years might be yet before him.
Hon. Marshall Cram Of Brunswick was
introduced as the next speaker.
MIR. GRAMS REMARKS.
Mr.. Cram said l can hardly imagine why
have been called upon, unless II be on ac-
count OF my age. suppose that after the
IRYf T.F FNa ats / DIfl
ident. In point Of ability and mental ae-
quirements we are far apart. see all
around me younger men. am not accus-
toned TO public speaking. l remember that
DIR. Lincoln was once asked to accept the Of
fee OF treasurer. He declined, saying "lf
were ten years older | might accept; but
know too much for that now" 80 for my
self; II l were ten years older might at
tempt 70 make speech; but know too
much now
The chairman said that as boy In Port
land. he had regarded Hon. VIM. GOold Of
Windham. as an authority on all matters Of
history. Mr.. Goold still fills that position
and, said Professor Chapman, take great
pleasurein introducing him to you.
ME-. GooLD's REMARKS.
Old men have a fellow feeling. King Lear
says, Il do confess that Fam Old" and con-
tinues, "Age is unnecessary" Our honored
president, now almost score pastthe psalm
lst's limit Of years, sets us a pattern Of aetiv-
ity-he is living evidence of the truth Of King
Lear's assertion that "age Is unnecessary"
first met President Bradbury at field
day gathering Of the society at York. in
September, 1870. That day will be long Ie-
membered by those remaining. who particl-
pated in its pleasures in looking over the an
tiquities Of the town. A locality Of much in
terest, was Judge Jonathan Sayward's house
and home, with It's full-stature portraits by
Blackburn, and endless rich furnishings
many Of which come from Louisburg at the
time Of its capture. Sayward commanded
transport in that expedition. The house had
been kept in the best order by the descen-
dants Of the judge, and nothing had been
taken away since his time. A reminder Of
the disordered public mind at the time Of the
stamp act, Is the unfinished portrait Of the
judges wife, The family tradition = that
the artist left the country In a fright, aud
never returned to finish his work.
A spot Of especial interest to me was the
ancient graveyard, where rest many old colo
nists Of note. Addison said that "a country
fellow distinguishes himself as much IN
as a citizen on the change but
could not see that the city people were less
active in scraping the moss from the leaning
stones than myself.
The next morning was fine, and ride to
Kittery was in order The ever attentive
citizens Of York were early at our quarters
with their family carriages-more even than
we're needed. My carriage companion was
our present distinguished guest, DIR. Deane
Of Cambridge. | will not attempt 10 mention
the great number Of objects and points Of
historical interest which were visited ia that
aua examination "a
red-letter day. Kittery was the first settle
ment IN Maine which was endowed win
town privileges. It was incorporated N
iGl7 it Il also the only town whose soil
a. we have heard from Judge Williamson.
We were shown the chair which ne occupied
at the Sparhawk house. After a historical
meeting In church. our party was taken
across the river % Portsmouth oy q navy
yard steamer. There We were met by a
committee of the New Hampshire Historical
Society, whose guests we were to be for
night and day.
We were entertained at public breakfast
at the Rockingham House the next day by
large delegation Of the New Hampshire So
cety. Although nearly twenty years have
interviewed since that meeting, 4 recollect a
proposition advanced during the discussion
by our Mr.. Bradbury. 1t was, that move
ment be there inaugurated Tor meeting OF
all the historical societies OF New England.
The proposition was seconded in speech by
Dr. Deane, and advocated by Dr. Bonton Of
the New Hampshire society. l then hoped
70 see all the New England savants Of histo-
rs in convention; but this proposition yet
remains TO be carried ont. But to think OF
the men of talent, learning and genial com
paniOnship, Of our society who have passed
away since that time Among the most ac-
tive members were Judge Bourne, then
President, John A. Poor, DIR. Packard, DR..
Balland, Col Benson, H. III. Gardiner, IL. @.
Bailey Of Bath, Judge Barrows, Bishop Bur
CESS, Dr. Champlin, T.. Wilder Farley, DIR.
Gilman, Ex-Governor Washburn, President
Woods and others
/ have said that il was on the York and
Kittery excursion that first met our es-
teemed President. My respect for him has
increased with our intercourse. 1 knew his
father, a respected physician; lie lies bGrid
near the little country church where ! usu-
ally attend. His toll monument looks In ap-
pr0vngly at the window near my seat. /
never see this memorial to your father, MIR.
President, but think Of yourself.
softly Oh softly. the years have swept by thee.
Sorrow and death they have often brought nigh
Yet have they left thee but yigor TO wear.
Growing old gracefully,
Gracefully fair"
Professor Chapman next introduced the
Rev. DIR. John o. Fiske Of Bath, with whom
he said Mr. Bradbury had been associated on
the board Of trustees Of Bowdoin College.
DR.. Fisl0e spoke as follows;
DR. FIsKE's REMARKS
really feel quite incompetent 70 speak